George H. Hanson, 83, of Williston, died Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Williston. Funeral services are at Faith United Methodist Church in Williston on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Rod Tkach will officiate and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, Williston. Friends may share condolences and sign an online registry at www.fulkersons.com

George Herbert Hanson passed away on Aug. 6, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. George was born to Herman Clarence Hanson and Norma Florence (Moore) Hanson on Dec. 19, 1925, in Missoula, Mont.

They moved to Edmore, N.D., when George was 5 years old. George graduated from Edmore High School in 1943. After graduation, George enlisted in the Navy and, after his discharge in 1946, George attended North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton, graduating in 1948. 

George opened a small radio repair shop in Edmore, and in 1950, he moved to Williston, where he went to work for Farmers Union Creamery. In December of 1950, George met the love of his life, Ruth Z. Coley, and they were married on Feb. 18, 1951. George began his career in the oil industry in 1952, working for Lane Wells, Wireline, Inc., Gearhart Owen and Halliburton, retiring for the first time on March 31, 1986. Shortly after, he went to work for Pengo Wireline of North Dakota, later known as Penkota Wireline, Inc., and worked another 21 years, retiring again in June of 2007, at the age of 81.   

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 58 years, and his five children, Marjory (Stan) Parrill, Lander, Wyo.; Marsha (Wayne) Greenup, Bismarck; Marilyn (Lynn) Gravos, Minot; Mark (Christa) Hanson, Williston; and Marri (Keith) Hammer, Williston. They have 16 grandchildren, Alyson Parrill and Garrett Parrill, Lander, Wyo.; Shannon (James) Hoiland, Great Falls, Mont.; Stephanie (Brian) Harr, Mandan; Karri (Sherwin) Severin, Aviano AFB, Italy; Jason Gravos, Jennifer Gravos, Minot; Christopher Hanson, Aaron Hanson, Michael Hanson, Melissa Hanson, Williston; Ryan Jones, Williston; Kacey (Joe) Vargas, Fargo; Kodey Hammer, Kalli Hammer and Kadyn  Hammer, Williston; five great-grandchildren, Benjamin Hoiland, Great Falls, Mont.; Lucas Harr, Mandan; Braiden Severin, Ariauna Severin, Italy; and Rylan Gravos, Grand Forks; his brother, Clinton E. (Myrtle) Hanson of Lander, Wyo., and numerous nieces and nephews. His family was his passion, and his life has provided them with a lifetime of wonderful memories!   

George had many hobbies, including coin collecting, woodworking, hunting, fishing, as well as his love for many sports, especially basketball, baseball, bowling and golfing. George was a member of the Williston Bowling Association Hall of Fame, the American Legion, and Moose Lodge; a past member of the Elks, as well as a member and past-president of Williston Area Woodworkers Club, and past member of American Petroleum Institute. He also was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.

George was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Clinton George Hanson and Clifford Johannes Hanson.   

Memorials will be directed to the Leukemia Foundation and George H. Hanson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home in Williston on Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon and at the church one hour prior to services.